2004 Toyota Sienna - Enriched Bread and Creamy Butter
The current generation Sienna, when introduced, was Toyota's first mainstream minivan. After years of producing wonderfully functional but stylistically and ergonomically odd people haulers Japan's number one automaker got it right, and sales of the front engine, front drive Sienna have flourished as a result.
The 2004 Sienna, introduced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit last month, moves the bar upward considerably. A 130 mm (5.1 in) longer wheelbase and 100 mm (3.9 in) wider front and rear track than the previous model, part of a new low-slung chassis, should improve the van's ride and handling while increasing interior volume by more than 1,246 L (44 cu ft). The 1,235 L (43.6 cu ft) of cargo area behind the 3rd row seats is now class leading.
"The all-American Sienna has been improved, refined and enlarged in nearly every metric comparison," stated Don Esmond, Toyota Division senior vice president and general manager, during the vehicle's NAIAS launch. "The new Sienna will be defined by class-leading interior comfort, convenience, and flexibility that will meet the everyday driving needs of the American family."
While most automakers review owner's comments, study warranty repair work information and pull together various focus groups in order to make improvements with each successive model upgrade, Toyota went about researching the current Sienna's faults in a rather unorthodox manner.